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FAQs Ultra-Fast
MRI What does "MRI" stands for and how does it work? MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI uses the principle of magnetic resonance. The hydrogen protons inside our body are magnetizable when placed in a large magnet, like the one in the MRI machine. When the body part goes into the machine, these hydrogen protons gets magnetized. Using this property, images are produced of different parts of the body. What is Ultra-Fast MRI? The current generation of MRI scanners allow scanning at very fast speeds of upto 100 milliseconds. These are called ultra-fast scanners and they improve diagnosis and interpretation. Even in claustrophobic patients, the scans are completed so quickly that often times the patient does not even realize that the study is over. Why is MRI such a good modality? MRI allows us to exquisitely see different parts of the body. In the brain, it allows us to differentiate between different areas. In the spine, MRI is the only modality that allows us to see the spinal cord. In joints, MRI allows us to look at the internal parts of the joints, including ligaments, tendons and menisci. It also allows evaluation of various cardiac structures, as well as functional imaging of various parts of the brain. MRI does all this by sectioning the body in different planes. Just as it is necessary to slice a loaf of bread to know the quality of the slices, so also, MRI allows us to section the body to look at its insides. Thus, the skull X-ray only shows us the outside, whereas MRI shows us the brain inside. Where is MRI useful? All parts of the body can be scanned with MRI, but it is most useful in the brain, spine, bones and joints and the heart. It also has specific uses in other parts like the chest, abdomen and pelvis. For each part, there are specific indications or reasons for scanning. The referring doctor and the consultant radiologist are the best judges of the usefulness of MRI scanning in a specific situation and area. What are the newer advances available? The scanner being state-of-the-art, the following newer modalities are available 1. MR angiography 2. MR cholangio-pancreatography 3. Cardiac MRI for structure and function 4. Functional MRI 5. MRI spectroscopy for biochemical evaluation of abnormalities Are there any dangers MRI svanning? Not ordinarily. However if you have any magnetizable items on or in your body, such as aneurysm clips, pacemakers, cardiac prostheses, metallic implants, etc. please inform us immediately, as there could be a problem related to these metallic items. MRI HAS NO RADIATION AND DOES NOT REQUIRE FASTING. What is the injection that i may receive? If necessary, you may be injected with a gadolinium-based dye to see things better. How do we make the MRI experience better? The machine has a very short "bore", which significantly reduces claustrophobia. For examinations of the thighs, knees, legs, etc. the head is always outside the machine. We have an excellent music system with headphones, that serve to both reduce the noise levels in the machine as well as provide soothing music. If you want to listen to any particular music, please bring your CD along. What, therefore are the instructions that the patient should follow?
Radiology
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